Postdoc position in Greenland Ice Sheet firn hydrological processes

As part of the project “Uncovering the hydrological processes in Greenland Ice Sheet firn: A path to constraining meltwater runoff”, funded by the Independent Research Fund Denmark, the Department of Glaciology and Climate at the Geological Survey of Denmark and Greenland (GEUS) is hiring a postdoctoral fellow for a period of 24 months, commencing on 1 December 2024 or as soon as possible thereafter.

About the position
The Greenland Ice Sheet is of paramount importance for global sea-level rise, and understanding the firn's capacity to buffer future meltwater runoff is crucial. This project aims to investigate and monitor firn hydrological processes using stationary autonomous phase-sensitive radio-echo sounders (ApRES) and repeat GPR surveys, directly addressing current limitations in observing and modeling firn processes. The project has close synergies and collaborates with the GEUS-lead GC-Net monitoring activities.

The postdoctoral fellow will be responsible for conducting and analyzing the GPR and ApRES data, integrating the results into the GEUS firn model, and collaborating with the project team to spearhead firn monitoring efforts and improving firn models for more accurate estimates and predictions of GrIS-wide meltwater retention versus runoff.

The postdoctoral fellow will participate in team-level publications related the Greenland Ice Sheet firn, and will work closely with Dr. Anja Rutishauser and the GC-Net project team.

Who are you?
The appointment will be based on academic qualifications. The candidate must hold a PhD degree in Natural Sciences (e.g. Geophysics, Glaciology) and have documented experience in radar measurements or other geophysical techniques. Documented experience with ApRES and/or GPR measurements, or modelling firn processes is highly desirable.

Experience in polar geophysical field surveys is an advantage, but not required. Proficiency in spoken and written English is required, and strong organization and communication skills are essential. Engagement in cross-disciplinary and cross-department collaborations are desired.

Meet your new colleagues
The Department of Glaciology and Climate focuses on research, monitoring, and consultancy related to glaciology, climate, and the environment. Research and monitoring efforts include the study of current and past changes in the Greenland Ice Sheet and ocean surrounding it. Relevant to this postdoctoral fellowship, our department studies changes on the Greenland Ice Sheet surface and mass loss through a network of climate stations (including the GC-Net and PROMICE networks), satellite observations, and numerical modelling. On the consultancy side, we provide advice to government agencies and the private sector on a range of related issues such as future supply security for hydropower and drinking water in Greenland.

The department has an international staff of about 30 researchers, PhD students and postdoctoral fellows. We have a great focus on multi-disciplinary collaboration across the department and conduct department seminars and other activities to foster this. We also prioritize social arrangements to welcome and integrate new employees to our informal and friendly working environment.

Focus on professional development and well-being
There are many good reasons why you should choose a working life at GEUS.

We are a diverse staff of about 300 committed employees. Trust and flexibility are keywords. The working environment is lively, informal and international. Our tasks are versatile and there are plenty of opportunities for you to influence the development of your task portfolio.

We prioritise professional development, among other things by offering access to courses and other relevant activities. Socialising is also very important at GEUS, and we have a rich social life with a staff club, an art association and more.

At GEUS, we prioritise the well-being of every single employee. We prioritise that the Heads of Departments are close to the employees, and we have flexible working hours that allow you to organise your life so that there is time for what matters to you. If you need to work from home occasionally, that is also possible.

Furthermore, we have a gym with associated physiotherapists.

Salary and terms of employment
Salary and terms of employment are in accordance with the relevant trade union agreement.

The appointment area is the Ministry of Climate, Energy and Utilities and its institutions.

The Ministry of Climate, Energy and Utilities considers diversity to be an asset and encourages anyone regardless of gender, age, religion or ethnicity to seek the position.

Further information
If you would like additional information, please contact researcher Anja Rutishauser, e-mail: [email protected], telephone: +45 9133 3404 or head of department Signe B. Andersen, email: [email protected], telephone: +45 9133 3804.

If you are a foreign applicant, you can read more about living and working in Denmark on GEUS’ website.

Are you interested?
If you are interested in the position, we would like to hear from you. The application must include a CV, incl. your ORCID, a list of publications with a separate indication of articles registered in ISI Web of Science and any copies of individual publications of particular relevance to the position. Please enclose Master’s and PhD diplomas in either Danish or English as well as other material documenting qualifications at postdoc level. Submitted PhD theses that have not yet been defended may be sent with the application and will be included in the assessment. If possible, please provide a pre-approval.

Please apply for the position by clicking “Apply for position”. We must have your application at the latest on Thursday October 31 2024 (Danish time).

Applications or other material received after the deadline will not be considered.

The employment procedure
A professional assessment committee consisting of two internal assessors at minimum senior researcher level will carry out an individual assessment of all applicants’ professional qualifications, and the applicants will be assessed as qualified or unqualified for the position. Afterwards, an internal employment committee will decide which of the professionally qualified candidates will be invited for a job interview. This procedure is in accordance with the “Order on employment and assessment of scientific staff at the Geological Survey of Denmark and Greenland § 4 and 7”.

Department: Øster Voldgade 10, København K

Location: Copenhagen